Elementary Education Certification Pathway

A tuition-assisted pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education to fulfill K-5 teaching positions in the state of Kentucky.

Elementary Education Certification Pathway Logo

UPCOMING INFORMATION SESSION - CANCELLED!!

In light of the tragic events that occurred, November 4th involving a UPS aircraft at the Louisville International Airport, we have made the decision to cancel the Elementary Education Pathway Information Session originally scheduled for Thursday, November 6th from 4:00–5:00 PM.

We want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound sadness and shock following this tragic event. As UPS employees and students, this loss touches our community in a deeply personal way.

We are part of a unique community and in moments like this, it’s important to lean on each other for support. We want you to know that we are here if you’re unsure where to turn or what support might be available, we can help guide you and connect you to the right resources. Metropolitan College students have access to free confidential wellness services. These services are here to support you—whether you’re grieving, overwhelmed, or simply need someone to talk to.

Let’s continue to show up for one another with compassion and care. We’ll navigate this together, with resilience for the community we share.

UofL Students | Visit the UofL Counseling Center for more information.

JCTC Students | Visit the JCTC Mental Health resource page.

All Metro College Students | View the UPS Mental Health Counseling Contact Information [PDF].

We will update the site soon with a new date for the rescheduled Elementary Education Pathway info session. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Ashley Batliner at ashley.batliner@louisville.edu 

 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The MC Elementary Education Certification Pathway provides tuition assistance and academic support to students at the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. The pathway is designed to fulfill K-5 teaching positions in the state of Kentucky. Students participate in the Metropolitan College program for 3 ½ years working third shift at UPS and enroll in no more than 13 credit hours each semester. Students can begin enrollment in the program any fall, spring, or summer semester. 

Students will work with an assigned UofL Academic Advisor to ensure course selection starting noon or later each day. During the first three and a half years, Elementary Education Pathway participants are eligible for 100% coverage of undergraduate tuition up to the full-time, regular, resident rate for fall, spring, and summer semesters; weekly pay with a starting wage of $21 per hour as a part-time, third-shift employee at UPS Worldport; and the potential to earn academic bonuses and fee payments for fall and spring semesters. These bonuses can be saved to pay for tuition in the last semester while working for JCPS. MC students will complete their 240 hours of field experience on Fridays, summers, and at the beginning and end of the fall and spring semesters when UofL is not in session.

This pathway supports students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and includes six track options which you can explore further by clicking the individual tracks below:

In addition to academic advising, MC students receive ongoing support from their assigned MC Student Success Counselor, who provides guidance on program milestones, including:

  • Maintaining MC eligibility requirements such as completing CAPP Requirements, meeting work commitment dates, signing MC agreements on time, etc.
  • Preparing for and submitting the Upper Division application (typically between freshman and sophomore years)
  • Providing student specific support where needed. 

For more details on academic and program requirements—and to view a sample four-year flight plan see: Education Pathway Flight Plan Schedule & Professional Requirements

OPTION 9 FINANCIAL BENEFITS

What is Option 9? In the last semester of the program, students will work at a JCPS school as an Instructional Assistant (must meet employment eligibility) and earn 12 hours of student teaching credit. This is known as Option 9. Students will also complete a 1-credit on-line capstone course. While working as a JCPS Instructional Assistant, student will be eligible for:

  • 12 Credits of UofL Tuition Paid by:
    • A 25% grant-based tuition reduction for the last semester of undergraduate tuition at UofL.
    • Apply for JCPS tuition assistance. It is not guaranteed, and distribution of funds depends on the number of eligible employees requesting benefit.
    • Commonwealth Credit Union Teaching Certification Scholarship: Students who have signed a minimum of 3 metro college agreements prior to their final Option 9 teaching semester will be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship awarded by the Commonwealth Credit Union. Eligible students do not need to submit anything for this scholarship and the award will be posted during their final Option 9 teaching semester if program requirements are fulfilled.
    • Commonwealth Credit Union Savings Plan: The CCU savings plan option (if utilized) will require students in the program to make a $5-$30 a week direct deposit starting at the beginning of the program. Students will also save their MC semester bonuses and MC fee payments, into the Commonwealth Credit Union account. MC students are strongly encouraged to direct deposit as much as their budget will allow so that they can supplement their JCPS Instructional Assistant income, healthcare fees, and any outstanding tuition and fees during the last semester of the program. MC students should connect with a CCU Financial Services Representative at a local branch during their first semester in the MC program to utilize the savings plan.
  • Pay/Benefits
    • Instructional Assistant pay range is $19.01 to $22.01/hour.
    • Positions are 187 days and subject to escrow.
    • Employees under Option 9, once they are hired, do not receive benefits until the second month after full employment. To obtain healthcare insurance during the interim period, students can:
  • Future Hiring
    • When they successfully graduate, they will be in a high priority hiring status as a new hire.
    • All JCTA transfer rules will be followed meaning sitting teachers wanting to transfer will get first rights to openings per the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Students in high school teaching pathways can complete 9 credit hours and 33 field hours before starting at the University of Louisville and Metropolitan College. JCPS/Bullitt/Nelson/Oldham/Bardstown/Fayette/Spencer/Assumption Teaching Pathway fulfill some of the course requirements and field hours.

Review and print our Metropolitan College Elementary Education Certification Pathway Overview to learn more about the program & it's benefits. 

Currently a Metro College Student Interested in this Career Pathway?

Already enrolled at UofL but not currently a Metro College Student?

Already employed at UPS, but not currently enrolled at UofL?

Not currently enrolled at UofL or employed at UPS?

CHECK OUT OUR FIRST STUDENT SPOTLIGHT!

 

 

Meet Mckenna Reinhardt, the first Metro College student to reach the final semester of the Elementary Education Career Pathway at the University of Louisville!

After balancing third-shift work at UPS with her studies, Mckenna is now preparing to graduate in Fall 2025 — and she’s the first to earn two major final-semester benefits:

  • 💰 $2,000 Teaching Certification Scholarship
  • ✅ 25% Tuition Discount

These benefits help students shift from working overnight to full-time student teaching — a big step toward becoming a certified teacher.

Mckenna’s success is a huge milestone for the pathway and shows other students that it’s possible to reach the finish line. We’re proud of her hard work and excited to see what’s next!

QUESTIONS

Do you have specific questions and don’t know who to contact? Meet the Ed Pathway Team below: 

  • Ashley Batliner, MC Student Success Counselor: ashley.batliner@louisville.edu - Can answer questions related to Metro College program benefits and requirements  

  • Justin Crenshaw, Option 9 Program Coordinator: justin.crenshaw@louisville.edu - Can answer Option 9 related questions 

  • Keonna Gibbs, Academic Advisor: keonna.gibbs@louisville.edu - Can answer academic related questions and help with course scheduling for students in Elementary Only (INDV) and (IECE) tracks.  

  • Ty Constante, Academic Advisor: shane.constante@louisville.edu - Can answer academic related questions and help with course scheduling for students in the LBD and MSD tracks

  • Sara Heun, High Volume Talent Acquisition Analyst: saraheun@ups.com - Can answer UPS employment-related questions such as hours worked, HR issues, leave, etc. 

  • Kristi Lauder, Talent Acquisition Supervisor: klauder@ups.com - Can answer UPS employment-related questions such as hours worked, HR issues, leave, etc.